Korean Job Discussion Forums

[natstar24]

I am teaching at a hagwon right now outside Seoul. Just realized that since I have a MA, I might be qualified to teach at a uni next year.

Anyone here teach at a uni? Wondering what it's like--the dynamics of the school, amt of students in an avg class, the types of curriculum, etc. also what is involved with application and interviewing?

Trying to decide if it's a good path to go down, or if I should stick to the hagwon lifestyle, which really is not so shabby. Would really appreciate thoughts and feedback!

thanks much

[bulldog]

15 hours a week (generally)
Paid summer vacation (June 18th - Sept 1st) again this is general some unis give you just 4 weeks hols

Paid winter vacation (December 18th - March 1st) again this is general

The standard classes are freshman compulsory conversation English classes using a textbook. The procedure for teaching is different from uni to uni. There are also some optional classes that can be anything from composition to drama. It all depends on the uni itself and what majors it caters for.

In the last 10 years I've taught, elementary teachers, masters students, freshman English, composition basic to advanced, careers classes, interview classes, roleplay classes, conversation basic to advanced for sophomore - seniors, readers theatre, speech classes, and countless others. Theres a few examples so you get the jist. I've worked for two different uni's thus far.

I've been pretty much my own boss, you design your course based on the textbook and provide a structured syllabus. I see my dept head on the first day of the semester and the last, unless I have some questions. You will see him/her sooner of course if you cause problems...lol

It's a sweet lifestyle especially the hours and vacations although, the pay isn't that great these days for a lot the uni's. I think teh average is about 2.1 a month but with all the time on your hands that can easily be offset by privates or editing.

Hope this helps

[bulldog]

oh and the class amount can also vary from uni to uni and dependent on the genre. For freshman classes they are usually large ranging from 30 -45. I currently have 45 students in a class. They have 1 class a week which is 3 hours long )..........yeah, I know, lame...lol Doesnt do much for their motivation or psychological engagement of the subject, but the powers that be make those 'intelligent' decisions where I am at the moment. The last uni I taught at had a much better system of 1 hour 3 times a week.

[The_Source]

OP, don't let anyone tell you that you will have more free time working at a Korean university. Granted, you will have fewer TEACHING hours. But overall you will be working a lot more. You will need to grade the students on a curve (which is not a simple task in a class of 40 students). And you will find yourself spending a lot more time preparing. You don't want to appear unprepared in front of a class of university students. Your vacation time will also be commandeered by students who want to meet with you in your office to complain about their grades. (They always do)

Personally, I'm working at a hagwon again after two jobs at Korean universities, and I'll never go back to working at a Korean university again.

[bulldog]

[kiwiana]

Apply through Hongik University English website.
If you get a job there, you will have so much free time that you won't know what to do.

[anynag]

[Princess Soraya]

Having worked at a hagwon in the past, I found it a much more comfortable existence (everything was done for me and not much effort was needed). In addition, my uni only gives me 2 months vacation a year as I don't teach under-grads. I do, however, appreciate the fact that nobody breathes down my neck and I'm pretty much left to my own devices. Try it out for a year and if things don't work out, the hagwons will welcome you back with open arms.